Fresh firefighting crews deployed to battle blaze in Table Mountain National Park

The latest SANPARKS statement reads as follows: 'Efforts to contain the wildfire currently burning in the central and south sections of Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) continued overnight, with approximately 250 firefighters from multiple agencies working tirelessly throughout the night.

While winds were calm during the early evening, they picked up around midnight, requiring intense firefighting activity to manage flare-ups.

Fresh crews are being deployed this morning to relieve those on the ground, and four helicopters are on standby to resume water-bombing operations as soon as low mist and lingering smoke lift. Cooler temperatures and lower wind speeds forecast for today are expected to assist firefighting efforts.

The fire remains uncontained and is now close to Boyes Drive above St James and Kalk Bay. The right flank of the fire stretches between Ou Kaapse Weg and Steenberg Peak. Firefighters are continuing to focus on preventing the fire from reaching nearby communities including Tokai, Zwaanswyk, Noordhoek, and Clovelly.

So far, no structural damage has been reported, though around 3000 hectares of vegetation have been affected.

All available resources from the TMNP Fire Management Team, NCC Wildfires, Volunteer Wildfire Services, Working on Fire, Provincial Disaster Management, Enviro Wildfire Services, and the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services are actively involved in the firefighting operation.

We urge the public to strictly adhere to all trail closures and to avoid the central and southern sections of Table Mountain National Park for their own safety.

Trail Closures:
Tokai and Silvermine hiking trails remain closed until further notice. 

Road Closures:
Ou Kaapse Weg and Boyes Drive remains closed in both directions.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and will issue updates as conditions evolve.

Issued By:
JP Louw - SANParks Head of Communications and Spokesperson'